On July 7, 2025, the opening of the clothing collection exhibition “Memory code” by artist Olena Riumina took place at Rainis’ house in Berķenele, as part of the project “Strong together – 4. Сильні разом – 4”, ID no. LV/UKR_KO/018.
The event was opened by Dr. philol. Maija Burima, chairperson of the board of the society “Intellect Park” and project manager. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of mutual support and unity among different nations, especially highlighting that these values are reflected in Olena Riumina’s clothing collection. The five outfits harmoniously intertwine elements of traditional Latvian and Ukrainian attire, reflecting the spiritual closeness of both nations, their shared cultural code, and mutual solidarity. The attendees were invited to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the event, draw new ideas, express themselves creatively, make connections, and find inspiration in stories of courage and creativity. The collection was created within the framework of the “Strong together – 3. Сильні разом – 3” project implemented by the society “Intellect Park”, with the support of the Society Integration Fund.
At the exhibition opening, the author of the collection, Olena Riumina, gave a presentation in which she spoke about the importance of ancestral heritage and emphasized the continuation of traditions that are meaningful to every family. She highlighted a scientifically proven fact that a part of us already existed even before our mothers were born. This idea became a symbolic thread running through the entire collection – a story about encoded memory that lives on in folk songs, ancient traditions, the sounds of nature, and the embroidery made by women across generations.
The author shared her personal life story about the women in her family, whose fates intertwined between eastern Ukraine and Latvia – from the Luhansk region to Kaibala near Lielvārde. She spoke about the experiences of generations, about fleeing from war and famine, and about inherited values preserved in the symbolism of handicrafts, in language, and in everyday objects. It is a story of cultural memory and the resilience of women. Olena expressed her gratitude to her grandmothers for the knowledge and strength they passed on, as well as to Latvia for providing safety and a home for her family over several generations.
With heartfelt opening words, the head of the museum “Rainis’ House in Berķenele,” Inese Baravika, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the exhibition’s special significance in preserving cultural heritage and fostering dialogue between generations. Afterwards, the museum director invited the guests to take a closer look at the collection by proceeding to the attic of the Craft Skills Workshop “Klēts,” whose authentic atmosphere and the genuine simplicity of its wooden construction perfectly align with the message of the collection.
After the exhibition had been opened, guests were invited to take part in creative workshops. Olena Riumina led a sewing session where participants learned traditional handcraft techniques and sewing skills. Meanwhile, Inese Baravika and Jolanta Bāra offered a workshop on creating decorations from Latvian meadow plants, using Latvian ornaments and exploring their symbolism. The exhibition visitors gained not only aesthetic pleasure and practical skills, but also a deeper understanding of cultural complexity and the significance of inherited identity through generational rituals and historical turns. This encouraged reflection on the power of cultural heritage and its relevance in today’s society, while also fostering genuine and meaningful interaction among people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The exhibition at Rainis’ House in Berķenele, in the Craft Skills Workshop “Klēts,” will be on display until September 30, 2025.
The event was attended by 30 Ukrainian civilians and 10 representatives of the local population.
The event was organized within the framework of the project “Strong Together – 4. Сильні разом – 4”, ID No. 2025.LV/UKR_KO/018/L28.
It is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget resources.
The Daugavpils University Society for Lifelong Learning, Culture, and Science Communication “Intellect Park” is responsible for the content of the project activities.
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